UT-Austin Prof Who Assaulted Girlfriend Found Dead

AUSTIN, TX — The tenured professor whose presence at the University of Texas at Austin campus drew the ire of students after his felony assault conviction came to light was found dead in his South Austin home on Thursday, officials confirmed in a statement on Friday.

Richard A. Morrisett, 57, was found dead with a cause of death yet unknown. He was found lifeless after law enforcement officials conducted a welfare check when the professor failed to show up for an appointment, according to reports.

The pharmacy professor unwittingly was cast in an unwelcome spotlight when a previous felony count of assaulting his girlfriend in 2016 came to light. The revelation sparked protests among students who called attention to the university's "zero tolerance" policy as it relates to domestic abuse for students — an ire that was intensified when university officials said they would not discipline the professor in spite of their stated policies.

“Professor Morrisett’s death is a tragedy,” UT-Austin President Gregory L. Fenves said in a prepared statement on Friday. “We support his family and loved ones as they grieve during this time. We recognize these are difficult times on campus and the university will offer all the support we can to students, faculty and staff members.”

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While Morrisett was allowed to remain on campus without being disciplined, university officials announced on Thursday that University of Texas at Austin employees found to have committed crimes off campus could be subject to discipline. Before the revamped policy was initiated, school officials justified not disciplining or removing Morrisett by citing his positive work performance at the university.

>>> Photo of Richard A. Morrisett via University of Texas at Austin website